Arlington

Located just six miles northwest of Boston, Arlington is a charming suburban community that offers the perfect blend of small-town feel and urban accessibility. Known for its rich history, top-rated schools, historic New England homes, and strong sense of community, Arlington continues to be a sought-after market in Greater Boston, especially for buyers looking for more space without sacrificing proximity to the city. Arlington boasts a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, and today it’s a lively town filled with coffee shops, independent bookstores, and local eateries. Residents enjoy the Minuteman Bikeway, Spy Pond, and Robbins Farm Park, along with an active arts and culture scene centered around the Arlington Center for the Arts and historic Regent Theatre. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other, and community involvement is a way of life.

Arlington, MA

Arlington, Massachusetts blends small-town living with big-city convenience, making it one of Greater Boston’s most desirable places to live. Just minutes from Cambridge and Boston, residents enjoy a town with historic character, a vibrant local culture, and easy commuting, key reasons buyers consistently search for homes for sale in Arlington, MA.

Whether you’re exploring condos, single-family neighborhoods, or investment opportunities, Arlington gives buyers a clear sense of community and connection. Discover more about Arlington, Massachusetts, and see whether this thriving community is the right place for your next chapter.

A Brief History of Arlington

Arlington’s history traces back to its days as the colonial village of Menotomy, a key crossroads during the American Revolution. By the 1800s, Arlington began to take shape as the civic center residents recognize today. A point of interest is that the community built one of the country’s earliest continuous free children’s library collections, later folded into the Robbins Library, and the nearby Whittemore-Robbins House stood as a prominent Federal-era landmark. The town was incorporated as West Cambridge in 1807 and renamed Arlington in 1867.

Arlington, MA: Real Estate Market

Arlington’s real estate market is known for its steady demand, established neighborhoods, and close proximity to Cambridge and Boston. Inventory tends to stay low, and well-priced homes often draw strong interest, one reason buyers consistently explore homes for sale in Arlington, MA when searching for property that represents long-term value.

The town’s housing options vary by neighborhood. There are condos for sale in Arlington, MA as well as townhomes, and these are popular along and near Massachusetts Avenue, especially in East Arlington and Arlington Center. Single-family homes, many reflecting classic New England architecture, are more common in Arlington Heights, Morningside, and the quieter residential streets near parks and schools. Luxury new construction appears in select pockets, offering modern layouts and energy-efficient design.

Overall, the market is competitive. Arlington’s strong schools, stable property values, and commuter-friendly location support long-term appreciation, making it a smart choice for buyers looking for community and lasting returns.

Living in Arlington

Getting Around

Multiple MBTA bus routes connect the town to the Red Line at Alewife in Cambridge. The 77 runs along Mass Ave from Arlington Heights to Harvard Square, and the 350 links Arlington Center with Alewife and Burlington. Other routes run through different parts of town, making it easy to reach nearby job centers without a car.

Route 2 along the southern edge of town gives you quick access to Route 128 and other major roads. Most neighborhoods are close to Route 2 exits, so reaching the highways rarely requires a long detour.

The Minuteman Bikeway, which runs through the center of town, offers another practical option, as it runs through the center of town and provides a direct, paved path to Alewife, Lexington, and Bedford.

Schools

Many early learners in Arlington start at Menotomy Preschool, and families can choose from seven K–5 elementary schools: Bishop, Brackett, Dallin, Hardy, Peirce, Stratton, and Thompson. After the elementary level, students move to Gibbs School for sixth grade and then to Ottoson Middle School for grades seven and eight. Arlington High School finishes the track on a modern campus with updated classrooms, labs, arts spaces, and athletic facilities.

Private options include Arlington Catholic High School and St. Agnes School, which share a central campus. Nearby private schools in Belmont, Cambridge, and Lexington give families additional choices within a short drive.

For higher education, Tufts is only a few miles away, and Harvard, MIT, and Boston University are a quick trip into Cambridge or Boston, which makes the town a practical home base for anyone connected to academic or research settings.

Recreation and Activities

Robbins Farm Park sits above Arlington’s neighborhoods and offers hillside views of the Boston skyline, along with a wide field used year-round. Down by the water, Spy Pond Park provides a quieter space with paths, seating areas, and a public boat ramp. Menotomy Rocks Park brings wooded trails and a pond to a more tucked-away part of town, while the Arlington Reservoir has a small beach and a mile-long loop for short walks. The Minuteman Bikeway connects many of these spots and gives a reliable route for bike rides, runs, or long walks.

Local events such as Arlington Town Day bring food, music, and vendors to Massachusetts Avenue each year, and Porchfest gives residents an easy way to enjoy live performances as they move through different streets.

Shopping and Dining

Most of Arlington’s shopping and dining sit along Massachusetts Avenue, which keeps errands and meals out close to home. Arlington Center, East Arlington around Capitol Square, and Arlington Heights offer a mix of local shops, cafes, bakeries, and everyday services. Butternut Bakehouse and Arlington Bakery are popular stops, and Kickstand Cafe near the Minuteman Bikeway is an easy place to grab coffee after a ride. From June through October, the Arlington Farmers’ Market in the Russell Commons Lot adds fresh produce and prepared foods to the weekly routine.

Many of the town’s dining options sit along the same corridor. Town Tavern, across from the Capitol Theatre and Tryst in Arlington Center, covers quick meals and laid-back weekends. If you want a broader mix of shops or restaurants, Fresh Pond in Cambridge, Burlington Mall, and Assembly Row in Somerville are all a short drive away.

Arts and Culture

The Capitol Theatre anchors Arlington’s arts scene with its historic marquee, restored interior details, and six auditoriums showing new releases, family films, and special screenings. Open since 1925, it remains a reliable neighborhood venue with classic character and updated projection, seating, and programming. There’s also the Regent Theatre that expands the local options with live music, comedy, and film events. The Arlington Center for the Arts offers classes and rotating exhibits, and the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum inside the Jefferson Cutter House highlights the sculptor’s work and his ties to the town.

FAQs

Is Arlington a good place to live for commuters?

Yes. Arlington sits minutes from Cambridge and offers direct MBTA bus service to Alewife and Harvard Square, plus convenient access to Route 2. Many buyers choose the town specifically for its balance of quiet residential neighborhoods and easy commutes.

How competitive is Arlington’s real estate market?

Arlington is known for strong demand and limited inventory, especially for updated single-family homes. Well-priced properties often receive multiple offers. Working with a local expert like Ed Greable helps buyers navigate the market with clear strategies and realistic expectations.

What types of homes can buyers expect in Arlington?

There’s a range of houses for sale in Arlington, MA. You’ll find condos, townhomes, classic New England single-family homes, and select new-construction properties. Condos cluster near Massachusetts Avenue, while single-family homes are more common in Arlington Heights, Morningside, and the quieter side streets.

Are the schools in Arlington highly rated?

Yes. Arlington Public Schools are well regarded, from the town’s seven elementary schools to its modern Arlington High School campus. Families often choose Arlington for its strong educational reputation.

Is Arlington walkable?

Very. Many neighborhoods are within walking distance of parks, cafés, schools, and services. East Arlington and Arlington Center are especially popular for their walkability and easy access to the Minuteman Bikeway.

Connect With a Team That Knows Arlington

Buying a home for sale in Arlington, MA is easier when you work with someone who understands the town and knows how the market moves. Ed Greable & Company brings the knowledge and insight you need. Ed has spent decades helping buyers across Greater Boston and has earned more than 200 five-star reviews for his straightforward advice. His team focuses on keeping the process clear and predictable so you always know your next step.

If you want to start your search in Arlington or get a clearer picture of your options, contact Ed Greable & Company at 617.905.9128 or send an email.

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